Turkish gecko description

The Turkish gecko is a pale reptile, with a slightly pink translucence to its skin. Its body, which is covered in numerous small bumps, is speckled with brown patches on the back and banded with brown rings on the tail. Its feet are unique among geckos by having adhesive pads, to aid climbing, which do not extend to the toe tips, hence the scientific name Hemidactylus, meaning ‘half-finger’ in Latin (2).

Related species

Turkish gecko biology

Much is still unknown about the biology of the Turkish gecko; however, like most geckos, it is nocturnal and feeds on insects and spiders (5). Sexual maturity is reached at quite a young age, at around eight months, with females producing clutches of two eggs up to three times a year (6). It makes use of its exceptionally adapted adhesive feet and long claws to climb everything from rock surfaces to building walls (5).

Turkish gecko range

The Turkish gecko is common across the Mediterranean and Aegean basins, being found as far west as the north coast of Morocco and southernmost tip of Portugal and as far east as Jordan, Turkey and Egypt, where its range extends for many miles inland down the River Nile (1). A subspeciesHemidactylus turcicus lavadeserticus occurs in the black lava desert of Syria (4).

Species with a similar range

Turkish gecko habitat

This species is widespread across both mainland and island coastlines, from rocky hillsides and scrubland to salt marsh. It naturally inhabits rocky areas such as cliffs and caves, but the Turkish gecko has also adapted to human development and can thrive on the inside and outside of buildings, in walls and crevices (1)(5).

Species found in a similar habitat

Turkish gecko status

Turkish gecko threats

The Turkish gecko appears to be coping well in an increasingly human-altered landscape, thanks primarily to it being able to find similarities to its natural habitats in the urban environment, such as walls and debris. The only potential future threats come from increasing disruption from tourist resorts and capture for the pet trade (1).

Turkish gecko conservation

Few conservation measures currently exist for the Turkish gecko, although it can be found in a number of protected areas (1), and it is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention, a convention that aims to conserve the wild flora and fauna of the European Continent and their natural habitats. Those species on Appendix III are protected, but may be exploited in accordance with certain regulations (7).

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